“Total Loss” Vent/Questions
Hi everyone! I’m 22 and this is my first time posting on Reddit. I wanted to share my situation and get some insights, as I’m honestly struggling to grasp just how complicated and frustrating insurance can be.
About two weeks ago, after finishing class, I ended up in a minor accident while driving home. Living in the Northeast, the weather isn’t always great. I have an SUV with good tires, and I had my oil changed recently at my local dealership, where they assured me my tires were in good condition, though I might need new ones next year. Unfortunately, on this particular evening, it was lightly raining, and I was cautious of the freezing temperatures. Despite that, I hit a patch of black ice, which caused my car to crash into a guard rail. The main damage was to my driver’s side headlight and door, with some cosmetic scratches on the rear driver-side door.
After assessing the damage, an estimator informed me that the only issue preventing my car from being street legal was a non-functional left turn signal. He was able to undent my door, making it easier to get in and out, and provided an estimate of $12,000 for the repairs. While the damage is significant, I was only interested in fixing the front end and wasn’t concerned about the dents. This is a 2014 SUV that I just paid off, and as I’m in my last semester of college and recently took a leave of absence from my job, I’m in a bit of a bind. The insurance company then sent out another inspector who appraised my car at just over $11,000, declaring it a total loss. They refuse to let my family and me make repairs to get it inspected and instead want to buy back the title. I understand this is standard procedure, but it’s incredibly frustrating.
I’ve been diligently paying for insurance and have cleared my loan, yet now I’m left unable to drive my car just because of some dents? I still haven’t received the detailed damage report and will need to discuss it with my family. I just don’t see why I can’t invest my own money to fix it and make it street legal after it was in great condition beforehand, aside from the turn signal. Currently, I’m swamped with college and can’t afford repairs. Plus, I commute with this car, so it’s crucial for me.
Has anyone else gone through something similar? I certainly wouldn’t want to drive anything unsafe, but I’m genuinely happy with the car’s performance, and the damage is mostly cosmetic.
I’m really sorry to hear about your situation; it sounds incredibly frustrating and stressful, especially with everything you have going on in your life. It’s tough when you’re trying to navigate the complexities of insurance and find yourself in a position where you feel like you’re being forced into a decision you don’t agree with.
From what you’ve described, it sounds like your insurance company is following standard procedures when it comes to declaring a car a “total loss.” Unfortunately, if the cost to repair exceeds the car’s value—or is deemed unsafe to drive—they often won’t let you fix it. It feels particularly unfair when you’ve taken good care of your vehicle and it’s still functioning (aside from the damages), but insurance companies tend to prioritize safety and liability over individual circumstances.
Many people have faced similar frustrations, where a relatively minor issue can lead to the total loss declaration because of specific policies insurers have to follow. It’s understandable to want to just fix the issues and keep your reliable transportation, especially as a student.
Here are a couple of suggestions for moving forward:
Communicate with Your Insurance Company: Once you’ve received the email with the details of the damages, reach out directly to your insurance adjuster. Ask them if there’s any flexibility regarding the repairs or if there are options for you. Sometimes discussing it can lead to better solutions.
Consider the Buy-Back Option: In some cases, you may be able to buy the car back from the insurance company after they total it, allowing you to make the repairs. This might mean additional costs but could keep you on the road without needing to purchase a new vehicle.
Explore Other Repair Options: If you do decide you’re allowed to keep the car, look for a trusted mechanic or body shop that might be willing to work with you at a lower cost to make it street legal again. Sometimes independent shops offer more flexible payment plans.
Evaluate Your Transportation Needs: Given that you commute, consider if there are alternative transport options available in the interim, whether it’s public transit or carpooling with classmates, to relieve some immediate pressure.
Support Network: Talk to your family or friends about your situation. They might have advice or even be able to help in some way. You might find comfort in sharing your experience with someone who understands.
Don’t hesitate to remind yourself that you did everything right leading up to this accident, and these circumstances are outside of your control. I hope you find a resolution soon. Good luck with your last semester!